Glossary

This legal glossary is a basic guide to common legal terms. A lawyer is in the best position to advise you about your legal rights and responsibilities.

Different terms may have different meanings based on the specific area of law or the context in which they are being used. For legal terms not referred to in this glossary, or for more comprehensive definitions, you may wish to refer to a legal dictionary or to an internet resource.

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In family law cases, a hearing in which a payor is required to come to court to explain why payment has not been made as required by a support order.

In criminal law cases, when an accused has broken terms of their bail, the Court sets out the process for the court to order the default estreatment of bail, including recognizance.

Fitness Hearing

The Criminal Code procedure to see if an accused is mentally fit to stand trial.

Temporary Care and Custody Hearing

In child protection cases, a hearing that may be held to determine who will have care and custody of a child who has been taken to a place of safety by the children's aid society until a final order is made in the case.